Session 20

Refuse To Take Revenge

From 1 Peter: A 20-Day Devotional

We all face the desire to get back at people. When someone does us wrong we have to fight the urge to get revenge. The last thing we want to do is show love toward someone when we think they should get what they deserve. Why make it a priority to forgive someone when revenge feels so right? How do we refuse revenge when our emotions tell us to repay evil with evil?

1 Peter 3:8-14 encourages us to love one another, be compassionate and humble, and repay evil with blessing instead of evil with evil. The greatest challenge we face happens when someone does us wrong and we have to treat him right. When we trust someone with our personal issues and he tells all his friends how messed up we are, how do we respond? Our natural response to betrayal tends to be revenge. Unfortunately, that natural response is the least likely way to uncover the heart issues that lie underneath our disrespect and selfish behavior.

We often feel we have to get revenge to make things right, but Jesus says the answer is not found in paying back evil with evil but with blessing. We treat Jesus wrong every day, yet he still showed His love toward us by repaying us with the blessing of salvation. Blessing those who have wronged us is a reflection of Jesus’ character.

We can never go wrong with being faithful in showing love to others because love never fails.

Reflect:

• Has there ever been a time when you were so angry, you felt compelled to seek revenge? What came of that situation?
• What did the desire to get revenge reveal about your heart?
• Is there anyone you’re angry with today? Who do you need to forgive for wronging you?